The Rotary Club of Madras, the third oldest club in India, today handed over 60 toilets to the school authorities at The Government High School, Sithalapakkam. This project is in association with Rotary Club of Croydon Whitgift and Rotary Club of Warwick, England.
According to Rtn Mohan Raman, President RCM, we were shocked to know that a school with 657 students had only 6 toilets. .No guesses who the real sufferers were- Yes, the Girl students. This affected the students and attendance was a big issue. We started thinking ahead on how to improve the critical infrastructure at the school.. This project was born out of such thinking and planning. Our club decided to help in an unique way by building new and modern toilets along with wash stations. This new toilet facility has had tremendous response from the locals which is reflected in new students joining, the total count, as on date stands at 901students.
Ms Rose Nirmala, Chief Educational Officer and Mr Rajasekaran ,District Educational Officer ,Chengalpet District were present at the handover ceremony. They thanked the Rotary Club of Madras for this compassionate gesture which has positive long term affects on the minds of the young students.
Rtn Ravi Sundaresan, Chair WASH program & President Nominee who is a specialist in identifying schools with these needs, coordinated and masterminded the complete construction of all toilets and facilities along with the funds from Rotary Clubs. The total outlay is Rs 30 lakhs.
Rtn Dr Sharon Krishna Rau, Director- Community Service Projects said “To ensure that that toilets are used and maintained hygienically a well planned program to educate the students ,staff and parents has been started .This is bound to ensure that all of them get the feeling of ownership of the facility and cleanliness is maintained always.
Director Rotary International, Rtn A S Venkatesh while doing the honours said this is what makes Rotary stand out. He complimented the Rotary Club of Madras for undertaking and completing the entire project in time in spite of all external difficulties faced. DG J Sridhar said this is yeoman service and the girls and boys would be delighted with the new toilets. In fact this will help in maintaining healthy surrounding and general sanitation which is key to good health. A host of Rotarians were present at this handover ceremony.
